I’ve often wondered whether the publication would survive without them. Now we’re about to find out.
During all the recent personnel cutbacks at the Courier-Journal in recent years, the management always recognized the value of sports columnists Eric Crawford and Rich Bozich, with their years of experience and insight into the local sports scene. They were close to being indispensable.
The C-J announced Monday that Crawford and Bozich are both leaving to accept positions at WDRB TV. Huge blow, a double whammy for the company, losses from which the newspaper won’t soon recover.
Sports fans will lose, too. TV coverage, because of time constraints, will never ever provide the depth and breadth of print media. The two will probably enhance WDRB’s Internet presence but who wants to turn on a computer before consuming the sports news with their bacon and eggs.
Crawford, in particular, is among the best ever at C-J, which has had some exceptional writers. Like Dave Kindred, one of his noted predecessors, he is blessed with an intellect to examine highly complex issues, ably sharing his knowledge. As a result, his readers are better informed than the average sports fan. I’ve never sensed any bias when it comes to issues involving either the universities of Louisville or Kentucky. He seems to care deeply for both of them, wanting them to succeed.
Bozich is as much a reporter as a columnist, more of an analyst than a provider of solutions. I’ve never sensed any special affection for either university, covering them equally and objectively, depending on the issue, as any journalism professional would approach the task. This is the approach in a recent column that enabled him to deal effectively with the back and forth pettiness between John Calipari and Rick Pitino.
For me, most of the stories in the sports section get a glimpse and a quick turn of the page, unless they are U of L related. But the columns of Eric Crawford and Rick Bozich were must reading. They have always been responsive to readers as well, open and generous with their feedback, especially Crawford.
Their leaving says much about the state of Louisville’s daily newspaper.
Should be interesting watching a couple of newspaper guys become TV personalities.
Crawford was the reason I kept my subscription. Now I’m going to have to make a decision about whether it continues.
The CJ is going to have a tough time finding replacements for them simply because people aren’t expecting careers in print media to be secure. They will have to promote from within, hoping they get lucky.
We’re also hearing that Beetle Bailey and Sgt. Snorkle have left their comic strip and joined up with Family Circus.
C.L. Brown deserves a shot at a column. Perhaps this is the time. Him and Jody Demling wouldn’t be a bad pair to replace them with.
I’ll miss Eric and Rick…but it is a sign of the changing times in mass media communication. I’ll be checking out wdrb.com out a lot.
They should have quit acting like it is all about the university of kentucky.uk goobers
Joe, I’m sure UK fans are saying the same thing about them in regards to U of L.
Charlie, I think its about time you got yourself a tablet! You don’t need a computer to read sports news online! 🙂
Dave, you’re right about time to get a tablet but I need the time at breakfast to get away from electronics for a bit.